Wedding Guide: Finding the Perfect Bridal Gown in Carroll County

by Kerri Gaither

With wedding season in full swing the following local bridal boutiques are excited to help upcoming brides find the perfect gown for their special day.

Cecelia’s Bridals, 13 Liberty Street, Suite A, Westminster, 410-848-8892

Cecelia’s Bridals, located in historic downtown Westminster has served Carroll County for over 17 years. Cecelia’s is a full-service bridal boutique, carrying wedding gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl gowns, prom gowns, first communion dresses and mother of the bride/groom dresses.

Owner and operator, Mary Gill runs the operation with help from a few part-timers and her daughter who works at the shop on Saturdays.

Gill explains at full dresses are not really in style at the moment.

“Right now the sleek style is in like mermaid gowns.  Also ruffles and pick-ups are currently very popular.” Gill said.

As far a color styles, trends often follow along with seasons.  Fall colors in the fall like orange, brown and burgundy, spring often brings a pop of color with lavender and purples and often summer styles incorporate yellows and light green.

When shopping for a dress Gill points out that a bride can never shop too early.

“Shopping early gives brides plenty of time to get the dress in and altered.  Some bridal orders can take 5 months to get in, but most take a minimum of 3 months.” Gill said. “This is not to say a bride can’t shop when her wedding is 3 months away, it just becomes a little more hectic that way.”

Because the shop was opened in June 17 years ago, Cecelia’s is currently hosting an anniversary sale through the month of June with discounts on handbags, jewelry and gowns.  Another sale that is always fun is held in September during downtown Westminster’s Midnight Madness.

“We have a $25 gown sale starting at 6 p.m. that night” Gill explains.  “Bridal gowns aren’t included but prom, cruise wear and all other gowns are included on the $25 rack.  It’s definitely the craziest night of the year but it’s tons of fun!”

Love it Bridal, 1019 Taneytown Pike, Westminster, 443-928-7742

Owned by Debi Poist, Love It Bridal specializes in all the top designer fashions.  The shop is open Tues-Friday 12 – 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Additional hours are available by appointment.

Just Sew Sew, 37 S Cranberry Rd, Westminster, MD, 410-848-0933.

While wedding attire is not Just Sew Sew’s primary focus, the store does promise that their team is fully capable of creating custom clothing from a single blouse to a custom dress for an entire bridal party.

Royal Bliss Boutique, 1207 Liberty Rd, Suite D104, Eldersburg

While Royal Bliss Boutique is primarily set up for prom and pageant dresses, they also carry a variety of Mother-of-the-bride dresses.  For the groom, the shop rents destination suits and tuxedos. They also carry a wide variety of special occasion jewelry, handbags and shoes that are perfect for brides and bridal parties.  

Carol's Custom Dressmaking, 3310 Buffalo Rd, New Windsor, 410-635-6563

With 45 years of experience, Carol specializes in wedding gowns and complete bridal parties by appointment.

Déjà vu Boutique, 118 South Main Street, Mount Airy, 301-829-1707

While the store carries a wide variety of fun and fashionable clothes, shoes and accessories, there is no bridal attire available in the shop.  On the shop’s website however, www.shopthevu.com, there is an assortment of Mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses available to order.